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Hello – and thanks for dropping by…
Welcome to my WebBlog and I hope you find it interesting and helpful especially, if like me, you’re into running and running marathons in particular. I’m writing this website/blog for a number of reasons. 1, I’m setting myself a personal challenge for 2012-2013 and thought it would be a good idea to promote what I’m calling my 60in60at60 Challenge, yes that’s an attempt to run 60 marathons in 60 weeks at 60 years old (or young, depending on your point of view). As well as the running I have a long term goal of raising over £60k for My 6 Charities. 2nd, By coincidence London is holding the 2012 Summer Olympics (the XXX Olympiad) and I thought it would be a fantastic year to attempt a challenge like this – I’m delighted to say that I have been chosen as one of the torchbearers – read more Here. 3rd, for fellow runners who like me enjoy reading about runners and their running exploits, especially anything to do with marathons. Finally to log my efforts for posterity (maybe for my Grandsons Henry and Thomas when they are old enough to read) or anyone else for that matter who may be interested.
Although I’m always very cautious of calling myself a Marathon Runner after all how many marathons do you have to do before you can really use that term – 1, 50, or 100? having now completed 36 officially recognised marathons and hoping to complete 100 in the next few years, I think I can. I’m also fully aware that with a PB of 3.28.49 (London 2008) their are plenty of men and women of my age and even older much faster than me, still you know what they say it’s the taking part that counts and crossing that finish line – as Ron Hill, UK running legend (one of my running heroes) said “Get up and walk if you have to, but finish the damned race”.
So here goes – If you’re interested you can read more about me on the About Me page, but just to kick of my WebBlog here’s a idea of who I am, where I’m from and what I love doing: My name is Barry Light, I live in Bournemouth, Dorset, UK and belong to the Littledown Harriers running club. After my family, (I have to add that to keep the wife happy, but it’s true!!!) my other passion in life is running and in particular (you guessed it) running marathons – I love the challenge, the commitment and the achievement of completing this iconic distance. Although I ran a few back in the 1980s and 1990s, I really think that my marathon journey started on the 28th April 2008 when I completed my first London marathon in a time of 3.28.49. That day changed my life forever and I soon decided that I wanted to set myself a goal of running at least 100 marathons in my lifetime, and become a member of the 100 Marathon club. I still have lots of marathons to do hence one of the reason why I have set myself my 60in60at60 Challenge, in 2012-13 before I get too old.
Flora London Marathon 2008 (just before the downpour) - still my PB 3.28.49. Read all about it Here
Marathon No.1 and my Big 60. photo © WaterAid - Anna Morgan Photography
I’ve now turned 60 and what a fantastic day my Birthday was (a big thanks to everyone involved) you can read more about it Here. My challenge has commenced and my next marathon is the Heartbreak on Sunday the 26th Feb.
Thanks for dropping in and Happy Running,
Barry Light
P.S if you would like to read my original Home page click Here.
{ 42 comments… read them below or add one }
Hiya Barry,
I’m just about to phone you but took a look at your website first and see youve been running again today – I want to interview you for my website very soon. Your going really well – brilliant! Love Jane x
Hi Jane – Yes running the 4th day of the Enigma Quadzilla my first 4×4. you can interview me anytime you like and I’m looking forward to it. xxx
Geezer! 6 in 31 days thats amazing well done. i will speak with Steve aka Shuckie tonight and see if we can get a blow up version of the OX made up to sheil you from the wind!! may smell better too! you look after those scotch eggs see you on the 8th April mate.
Cheers
“THE OX”
Cheers OX – A blow up version of the OX!!! that will make my wife jealousy – no it just won’t be the same, you’ll just have to start running more marathons. I’ll be at the club tonight picking up my old coggers award, so see you then.
Hi Barry, I learned of your fantastic challenge when logging onto the Harriers website. I’ve been meaning to join for several years and intend to head down to the centre this evening. ( picked a good day for the first time ! ) Good luck with your 60 in 60 I will be following your progress on the blog and look forward to being in a run with you in the near future.
Best wishes
Glenn
Thanks for your good wishes Glenn – I won’t be at the club this evening as I’m resting after my Liverpool adventure, but I’m sure I’ll catch you sometime soon.
Hi Barry, I’m a Newbie down at the Littledown Harriers, I joined sept, october ish and I was gobsmacked to read about your challenge, I didn’t think that kind of thing was possible. I take my hat off to you Barry and wish you all best on your journey. To help you along a little I’m running in the Broadstone 1/4 on tue and I’ll match my time in money for your charities, pounds for min, pence for seconds. All the best Barry, hopefully see you on a few training nights. Stuart (right, where’s Wayne, I can feel a number swap coming on..!)
Hi Stuart – you’ve joined a great club and I look forward to meeting you soon. That’s very good of you to offer that donation – hope you’re a slow runner (no only joking run like the wind) But don’t leave it until Tuesday otherwise you’ll be the only one running – the race is on Bank Holiday Monday. Happy New Year!
At 56, I’m over weight and going for scans on my heart… which hopefully will give me a clean bill of health… what you are doing puts me to shame… and if I could run 1m with you it would be an honour… if I turn out to be well I’m gunna join a running club and run for my life.. because of you’re inspiration…. Thank you Barry..
Bryan – 6 years ago I was overweight (still carrying a bit too much even now) and I was drinking more than was good for me. I felt I was on a very slippery slope and running turned my life around – I know I’ve been lucky and so far, no serious illnesses or injuries. I’m not going to be patronising and say to you or anyone else that just because I can run marathons you can, but what I will say is that I hope you do get that clean bill of health, join a club and when you’re up for it contact me and well do that mile together – the honour will be all mine. Good Luck!
Hi Barry,
Been meaning to get on here earlier and leave you a little message. 60 in 60 at 60 wow you don’t look a day over 59
wishing you good luck every step of the way.
The day you get my big brother off that sofa into a pair of running shoes I will run a marathon with you.
Good luck again Barry and see you soon
Clare x
Clare – thanks for your kind words. Yes I’m working on Trev have already given him a pair of my old running shoes, so you never know – you may have to pick one of my marathons to run with me, so best to start training now!
Hi Barry,
The very best of luck for the start of your challenge!
Cheers
Richard
Hi Richard and thanks for your comments, unlike some of your achievements – winner of the Perth Marathon in Western Australia and running the 56 miles Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa in 6.56. I’m going for quantity and just doing my best to finish each marathon. Your team at BU are really looking after me so a big thanks for all your support.
I’ll hopefully be joining you with Harry in the buggy and Ben on his scooter for the start and then rejoin you later for the last mile and half!
Good luck and hope the weather holds!
Gary – that would be awesome, I’m planning the same type of thing with my two Grandsons – Henry & Thomas, don’t worry the weather is gonna be great.
Barry – heard the news last night – you will be a “torch bearer” for the 2012 Olympics – Congratulations !! We are all so very proud of you and this life-time achievement !
Thanks Dianne – that’s very kind of you, hope that you may be able to get over and join in the celabrations with all the family – it’s on Friday the 13th so anything could happen (just hope I don’t drop it) not that I’m superstitious of course.
Hi Barry – I now realise what you were rather mysteriously referring to when we chatted pre-race one summer’s day and I said that your turning 60 would completely end any remaining chance I may have in the club >60 championship in 2012! I thought your reply that I “needn’t worry” was a rather odd thing to say as I never see you for dust at races! Now I know why -you have other plans!! And what plans they are – 60 in 60 at 60 is totally awesome!!! I shall be supporting you in spirit and financially, and spreading the word – you are getting masses of publicity which is great and quite rightly so. So I wish you every success and satisfaction from your incredible challenge!! Wow!!!!!!
Hi Mike – thanks for your kind words of encouragement, it was the Sturminister half marathon where I made my cryptic comment. At that time I still wanted to keep my plans for next year top secret, just in case they weren’t going to happen. But so many people have become involved and are working with me, that I’m now totally committed – so the whole world can know!
Club championship events in 2012? – no I don’t think I’ll be able to fit any in. Anyway I think you’ve got a very good chance of beating me this year, you’ve run lots of the events and I’ve been very selective and have only the minimum of 7, so I think my cunning plan has possibly backfired. It’s going to be close and if you come out on top – well done you deserve it.
Hi Barry, the clock is ticking, not long to go now! – Just to let you know that the Teignbridge Trotters would like to sponsor you to the tune of £5 for every marathon you complete during your epic challenge. On behalf of all of us from the club I’d like to wish you the very best of luck, we’re all rooting for you.
Chairman Rog
Hi Chairman Rog – That’s fantastic news, no pressure then! Can you thank all the Trotters for me, it’s really appreciated and will spur me on to complete my challenge, I’m sure I’ll see lots of you out and about during 2012. Just a few weeks to go now until my Big 60 when it all kicks off and I’m starting to get really nervous, but still looking forward to a great day. Cheers and see you around.
Hi Barry,
Would be great to chat a little more about your challenge and get an article on our website. You can contact me on the email address provided.
Look forward to hearing from you,
Rory.
Hi Rory – thanks for your comment and yes it would be great to get an article on your site – a lot of my marathons are going to be in the South, as there’s lots of great multi and off road events that I’ve already run (see my previous marathon page) and will be doing again next year. Will email you soon.
Hi Barry, I heard about your fantastic mission through some friends at Littledown Harriers. Well done!! I would be really happy to join you and any others on your first marathon on 22nd December if thats ok, hopefully the full distance. Great excuse then to eat lots of Xmas pud!!!
Hi Helryder – yes that’s fine, the more the merrier – I need all the pacemakers I can get.
Go Barry! Will be there at the start – hopefully for the full distance – I’ll have to check with my legs for permission! Am hoping to get something going with Bourne Runners towards your target – will forward the e mail. Good Luck – I think its an amazing thing to do. Naomi
Cheers Naomi – that’s great news, the support of Bourne Runners will be really appreciated and any that want to run with me will be welcome – the more the merrier.
Hi Barry
I ran the other day. It was pouring with rain and I had to get from my car into the pub. What is a girl to do? Walk and get frizzy hair or run? I made the 5 yards in a sprint and hair intact, I was worn out, so I will be thinking off you with admiration. Looking forward to seeing you on 22nd.
Good luck
Alice
I know what it’s like Alice, I have the same problem with my hair. Always knew you were a sprinter, keep it up, 5 yards today maybe 5 miles on the 22nd! – looking forward to seeing you too.
Good Luck Barry!! What an amazing challenge, i Know you will do it though, as YOU are a champion!
I think you are the bionic man of the 21st century, I admire your passion and determination.
I do hope you get to carry that olympic torch for Bournemouth, you so deserve it!! God and what a party would be!! Patsi get your apron on!!! I am working on getting that day off to cheer you along on your 60th birthday.x.x.
I will definatley sponsor you Mr Bionic, once – pay day comes!
Good luck.
Amanda x (Mandi)
Thanks for your confidence in me Amanda and I really hope you can get down for my Birthday celebrations. I hope to have a link on my site soon for donations, so keep checking back.
Hi Barry, just to let you know I’ve added some info and the link to your blog onto the club website. I was expecting to see your name on the Eden Project marathon this weekend but see you’re doing Abingdon next week …good luck for that. Great blog, great charities, great challange. I’m only pleased I didn’t think of this idea for my 50th!! I’ll follow your progress throughout the year and catch up on club nights, when you’re there…
Barry T
Cheers Barry – yes I was tempted to do Eden again this year (I thought about them all running yesterday) but decided to save myself for Abingdon, as I’m told it’s a flat course so I’ll give it everything I’ve got to try and get a PB. Glad you like the site and thanks again for the link and your support.
I am sat on my couch watching TV, that’s about as much exercise I can take for today ; ) Seriously though, challenges don’t come much bigger then running 60 marathons in 60 days at the grand old age of 60. Wish you all the best and we will be sponsoring like we have never sponsored before.
Message from Thomas:
“goo goo ga ga, goo goo goo ga ga ga ga”
Which roughly translates as go for it Gramps!
Cheers Trevor – your donations will be very much appreciated, I’m aiming for £1k per marathon so spread the word to all your rich friends and work-mates, I’ll let you know when my Virgin Money Giving web-site goes live. If you want to get off the couch I can lend you a pair of running shoes – gale-force winds, torrential rain = a great day for running along the prom (no holidaymakers).
PS – Thanks Tom – “ga ga goo goo ga ga ga ga goo goo ga ga” which translates to forget about becoming a footballer with all the money, fast cars and even faster women and become a poor marathon runner like Gramps!
Hi Barry, what an amazing challenge!!!!!!! I have had a good look around your website and have found it informative and very interesting to read all about you and what you are planning. I look forward to reading your blogs and keeping up to date with how you will be doing. The very best of luck to you – 60 in 60 at 60 – wow!!!!!
Thanks LJ – glad you find my web-site interesting and great to have your support.
Hi Barry – That’s some challenge you’ve set yourself. I reckon you’ll be sick to death of the sight of pasta by the end of that lot! The very best of British – see you at the DD in 2013!
Chairman Rog
Teignbridge Trotters
PS stick me down for £20
Cheers Rog – that’s really good of you – I’ll let you know when my Virgin Money Giving web-site goes live, so you can pop the 20 in, if you can spread the word for me down in the West Country that will be great.
Best wishes
Wow wee – good luck! That’s quite a big challenge. You must love running. How can I donate to your charities? I will keep a close eye on your progress. Good Luck
Hi KT – thanks for that and your donation will be very much appreciated. As you will see from my charity page I’m going to be using the Virgin Money Giving web-site to collect all donations. This will be going live soon so keep popping back for more details.
Best wishes